The Democratic and Republican nominees for governor, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis and Colorado Treasurer Walker Stapleton, respectively, celebrated Independence Day on Wednesday morning walking in the Greeley Stampede Independence Day Parade.

When they won their party primaries June 26, Walker Stapleton and Jared Polis were quick to make their differences clear.

The Republican state treasurer, Stapleton said that night that Polis will "raise every tax and fee he can" as governor. A Democratic U.S. representative, Polis said his plans stand in "stark contrast" to Stapleton's agenda "to enrich the special interests, threaten our health care, and leave our families behind."

On Wednesday morning, the candidates for governor set aside the jabs, if only momentarily, as they walked in the Greeley Stampede Independence Day Parade. Polis said he began participating in the parade in 2000, when he ran for the Colorado Board of Education. Ever since, Polis said he's made it a point to find time in all the Independence Day festivities to join in on Greeley's celebration.

Stapleton had a similar story: since he was elected to serve as treasurer 2010, Stapleton has looked to the Greeley parade as a destination on Independence Day.

"I think there's no bigger Fourth of July parade than the Greeley Stampede parade," Stapleton said. "It mixes the agriculture industry, which is so important to our state with a fantastic rodeo, a great stock show, and my kids I think will be enjoying some rides and funnel cakes this afternoon."

For Polis, the warm, friendly faces that line 10th Avenue for the parade make for an exciting time. The familiar faces are nice, too. Polis said he often recognizes people he's known for about 20 years.

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"It's my favorite way to celebrate the Fourth of July here in Greeley," Polis said.

Both candidates said they were excited to participate in the parade, and they were also excited at the opportunity to represent the voters of Weld County.

"I think this is going to be a really important election for the economic future of Colorado," Stapleton said.

Polis said he has his eyes set on transportation and education issues, referencing work he's done with commissioners and municipalities around Interstate 25 and U.S. 34.

"I think it's an exciting time to have northern Colorado issues and Weld County issues elevated to the governorship," Polis said.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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The Democratic and Republican nominees for governor, U.S. Rep. Jared Polis and Colorado Treasurer Walker Stapleton, respectively, celebrated Independence Day on Wednesday morning walking in the Greeley Stampede Independence Day Parade.